PHOENIX – The Latest on the Transportation Security Administration baggage system failure at Phoenix airport (all times local):
10: 30 p.m.
The Transportation Security Administration says its screening system that caused more than 3,000 checked bags to miss their outbound flights in Phoenix is back online.
A TSA spokesman says the baggage screening systems at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be tested throughout the night in preparation for Friday's scheduled operations.
Nico Melendez, the TSA public affairs manager, says they are "cautiously optimistic" that the system will be fully operational Friday.
Additional canine units from other airports and network specialists will be on hand in case any problems arise.
Sixteen airlines fly in and out of Sky Harbor, which is one of the nation's busiest airports. The number of airlines affected by the glitch wasn't immediately known but Melendez said Southwest was significantly impacted.
A Sky Harbor spokeswoman says some bags were slated for ground transportation to airports in Tucson and San Diego and then would be screened and flown to their destinations.
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5 p.m.
The Transportation Security Administration says more than 3,000 bags checked bags missed their outbound flights in Phoenix because of a problem with a screening system.
TSA spokesman Nico Melendez says the technical issue began about 6:45 a.m. Thursday at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
There's no estimate on when the problem will be fixed.
Sky Harbor officials say they're advising passengers to avoid checking luggage if possible.
Melendez says TSA is working with its airline and airport partners and using alternative screening tools to screen bags, though those methods aren't as efficient as their automated system.
Melendez also says TSA is bringing additional canine units from other airports and bringing in network specialists to address the situation and screen all bags.
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